Empathy Engineered: AI Companions for Eldercare

Isolation significantly amplifies communication challenges for individuals with cognitive disabilities. This paper builds upon a growing body of research on the effects of isolation by examining the intersection between voice-controlled artificial intelligence chatbots and the communication difficulties faced by people with cognitive impairments. Grounded in foundational communication theories by Shannon and Weaver, who defined communication as the process of encoding, transmitting, and decoding messages, this study emphasises the limitations of current modern communication technologies designed for cognitive disabilities. Methodologically, the study employs a combination of contextual inquiries, expert interviews, and user interviews, with a total sample size of forty three participants. The results show that loneliness and social isolation significantly impact cognitive health, making it essential to differentiate between the two. While depression may mediate the link between loneliness and cognitive decline, a lack of cognitive stimulation could be an even more critical factor in how social isolation affects cognitive well-being. Notably, many cognitively impaired individuals—up to 61%—experience severe loneliness, highlighting the urgency of addressing these intertwined issues. Given that cognitive decline can lead to loneliness, which can also heighten the risk of cognitive decline, it is crucial to focus on the key link in this bilateral causality: cognitive stimulation and social engagement. Addressing this connection is essential for fostering better cognitive health and mitigating the impacts of isolation. This paper explores an interface-less, voice-controlled intelligent chatbot designed to facilitate meaningful conversations. By incorporating evidence-based cognitive stimulation techniques and gaining insights into the nature of social interactions, this solution aims to enhance emotional engagement and optimise communication outcomes, ultimately promoting active societal participation among individuals with cognitive disabilities.